Surprisingly delicious fried black eyed peas!
It’s not too late to have a happier New Year!
Really, it’s not too late. Black Eyed Peas are a traditional food in the south and the tradition is that they will bring you luck in the new year.
The tradition started during the Civil War. In those times, black eyed peas were grown only to feed livestock and slaves, and so the Northern army left these fields alone (no pillaging or burning). So, Southerners were “lucky” to have black eyed beans to eat even when other crops were destroyed. So, the humble bean became a hero.
I watched an episode on Food Network where my culinary crush Alton Brown described eating deep fried black eyed peas. And, yes, in case you were wondering, I do have a poster of my crush Alton hanging in my pantry. He loved the “ca-woosh” of crunching down on them and the crispy salty exterior with the soft creamy interior.
I am not normally a fan of these legumes, but after I saw this I just HAD to make these for New Years’ Day.
I must say they are a hassle to make but SO worth it. The crispy crunch is delightful and the flavor is superb when these beans are tossed with salt and Old Bay. DO make these and you will forget all about luck and get lost enjoying a big ole bowl with your lucky friends and family.
Happy 2015 to us all!
FRIED BLACK EYED PEAS
One 16 ounce bag of dried black eyed peas
Water and salt
32 ounces of vegetable stock
1 onion, roughly chopped
2 jalapeño peppers, chopped
Peanut or vegetable oil for frying
Salt and Old Bay seasoning
Soak your peas in about 2 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt overnight, up to 24 hours. Drain the beans about halfway through the soaking time and add fresh water.
In a large stockpot, boil the beans in the stock with the onion and jalapeño until they are fork tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain beans and discard the onion and jalapeño. Spread out beans on a baking sheet and let cool and dry completely.
Heat oil to 350 degrees. Fry beans in small batches and drain on paper towels. Toss with salt and Old Bay seasoning to taste while beans are still hot.
Enjoy!
For a fabulous looking collection of dishes using black eyed peas, check out the black eyed peas recipe collection from Kalyn’s Kitchen.
Other Lucky recipes:
Black Eyed Pea Chili, Fat Free Vegan
Black Eyed Peas with Pancetta and Pickled Okra, In Sock Monkey Slippers
Cajun Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage, Real Cajun Cooking